FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 02/03/2020

STATEMENT FROM DAVID BAKER ON THE PASSING OF HALL OF FAMER WILLIE WOOD

CANTON, OHIO – Pro Football Hall of Fame free safety WILLIE WOOD (Class of 1989) passed away today at the age of 83. Wood, a member of the dynasty of the 1960s, won five NFL titles and the first two Championships. One of the most significant plays in Wood’s storied career came in the third quarter of when he intercepted a pass in a critical moment of the game to help lead the Packers to a 35-10 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.

The following is a statement from Hall of Fame President & CEO David Baker:

“The Game has lost a true Legend with the passing of Willie Wood. He had an unbelievable football career which helped transform Green Bay, Wisconsin into Titletown U.S.A. Willie was a rare player who always fought to be a great teammate and achieve success. He entered the League as an undrafted free agent and became one of the greatest to ever play the Game. The Hall of Fame will forever keep his legacy alive to serve as inspiration to future generations.”

The Hall of Fame flag on the Museum’s campus will be flown at half-staff in Wood’s memory.

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CONTACT: Rachel Gutting, Director of Communications & Strategic Initiatives [email protected]; 330-588-3671

ABOUT THE PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME Located in Canton, Ohio, the birthplace of the , the Pro Football Hall of Fame is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit institution with the Mission to Honor the Heroes of the Game, Preserve its History, Promote its Values, & Celebrate Excellence EVERYWHERE.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. AAM accreditation is national recognition for the museum’s commitment to excellence and the highest professional standards of museum operation and public service.

September 16-19, 2020 A once-in-every- other-lifetime celebration to kick off the NFL’s next century in the city where the league was born.

Hundreds of thousands of fans from across the globe travel to Canton annually to experience “The Most Inspiring Place on Earth!” that chronicles America’s most popular sport. Fans can also enjoy the Hall of Fame Store at the Hall, and online at www.profootballhof.com/store, for merchandise from all 32 NFL clubs plus the Hall of Fame. Proceeds from the Store support the Hall’s Mission.

Construction on Johnson Controls Hall of Fame Village, a mixed-use development project, is under way in Canton to transform the Hall of Fame’s campus.

@ProFootballHOF

September 16-19, 2020 A once-in-every- other-lifetime celebration to kick off the NFL’s next century in the city where the league was born.